The Aspinall family has long been a force for environmental education and protection in Costa Rica. John Aspinall is president of Costa Rica Sun Tours, an inbound Costa Rica travel agency specializing in ecotourism; William Aspinall ran the Monteverde Reserve for four years and now manages the family-owned Arenal Observatory Lodge and forest reserve, an important Smithsonian Institute research base; Maryanne Aspinall has been an active member of many voluntary and conservation organizations in Costa Rica and heads the Tiskita Foundation; and Peter Aspinall manages Tiskita Jungle Lodge and biological reserve.
The biggest delight in this tropical haven is not simply the nature show - it's the idea behind Tiskita and its host. Peter Aspinall, a native Costa Rican with a Canadian and US education, is not your ordinary hostelry owner catering to tourists. He's a farmer, first and foremost, and one who is intent on protecting the environment while being a successful grower. His eco-conscious approaches make Tiskita a beautiful and responsible Costa Rica tour option.
While Peter Aspinall believes the best way to protect the rainforests is to let people see them, great care is taken to ensure that neither the visitors they invite to enjoy the Tiskita reserve, nor the facilities they provide for them, threaten or damage the delicate balance of nature in any way. Collecting of any kind is prohibited at Tiskita and there are talks about the natural environment, its problems and solutions for staff, guests and local visitors alike.
In fact, Tiskita Jungle Lodge has been recognized for its commitment to responsible Costa Rica tour operating. The Aspinalls not only conserve the forests within the 550 acres reserve but, through the Tiskita Foundation, also raise money to support the local community and buy neighboring land for reforestation and protection. So far, with the help of contributions from former visitors and voluntary organizations, they have helped complete work on the Punta Banco Health Clinic, provided supplies to the village school and purchased native trees for reforestation in the surrounding area. The first land purchase of 125 acres for reforestation was made in 1993.
As one of the few tourist destinations in this remote area, Tiskita works to ensure that the local community also benefits from the presence of visitors and donates a percentage of its profits each year. Most of the staff is recruited locally and the local marimba band is hired for special events. Visitors have a tour of the village and are encouraged to buy crafts and souvenirs produced by the local Guaymí Indians. These opportunities enliven any Costa Rica tour experience. A plot of land has been donated to the local community, along with the timber to build a community center, library and shop.
Nearby Punto Banco is a nesting spot for the ridley, green and leatherback turtles. In 1996 Peter Aspinall carried out a survey on a 5 km strip of beach in front of Tiskita and identified six major nesting areas. However, almost all the eggs laid by the 350 turtles that nested during the period of his survey, were taken either by human or animal predators. To protect them during their lengthy incubation (45-63 days), a bamboo and chicken wire turtle nursery was built near Tiskita. In 1997 the Aspinalls released 10,000 baby turtles. Turtle eggs can now be reburied and stand a better chance of hatching.
Adventure Life offers tours that incorporate stays at the Tiskita Jungle Lodge. If you wish to make a donation to the Tiskita Foundation, please ask for a copy of the Tiskita Foundation brochure when you begin your Costa Rica tour.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
2 weeks ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.